If you are reading this blog, you probably have much more to be thankful for than many of us!
How we chose to spend our time and money is a luxury many of us take for granted.
For some women in the last opportunity for breast cancer survival, chemotherapy is a mind, body and family altering experience in a most devastating way! “Red Devil”, the thick red cancer cell killer is Adriamycin, also called Doxorubicin. This is one of the 3 bad actors given to end-stage metastatic breast cancer patients fighting for their lives. Total mental and physical fatigue, mouth sores and loss of hair leave a patient listless. Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt died similarly in 2002 surrounded by loving friends and family who were devastated by their loss but supported their family to assist when the tough was rough!
Begun by the Cowling and Schardt families, the Red Devils Charity is unique to Maryland and unique in scope. Unlike other cancer charities who pay for a cure, Red Devils provide funds for the events families take for granted:
- House cleaning
- Transportation for doctor appointments, children’s activities
- Preparing family meals
- Assistance in paying the rent or electricity
These services are offered to breast cancer women to help keep them in treatment within 40 Maryland Hospitals.
As a reconstructive plastic surgeon, my skills and judgment has been to provide physical rehabilitation for the loss of a breast to cancer for such women during my 32 years of residencies and practice. Lauri and I who have witnessed the difficulties of these women during their chemotherapy, family distress, mal-nutrition and medical insurance denials have assisted the cause with our “Painted Ladies” charity events. And now, my artwork has sold to fund the charity as well. Lauri sits on their board and provides marketing services to assist them achieve their goals.
We hope that you too will consider how lucky we are and join us for on Sunday, June 8th, 2014 8:00 am – 11:00 am at Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd, Baltimore, MD 21204 for the The Red Devil’s 5K Run and Stroll and other charitable events!
Sincerely,
Dean Kane, MD, FACS
